Chelsea delivers on Mourinho's promise

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The first cup is the deepest and the inaugural trophy of Jose
Mourinho's firework-filled Chelsea career was celebrated wildly by
the Londoners in Cardiff yesterday (Melbourne time).

The charismatic Portuguese coach promised silverware and he has
delivered, intensifying the love affair between him and Chelsea.
"Mourinho for Prime Minister", read one banner in the blue corner
of a raucous Millennium Stadium. The Special One doubtless has
grander plans after the 3-2 extra-time victory over Liverpool that
secured the League Cup.

"Money can't buy history, heart, soul," declared one
condemnatory sign in the red corner, but Russian roubles can buy
the services of a coach as talented and inspirational as Mourinho.
Club owner Roman Abramovich has invested wisely.

Mourinho being Mourinho, a technical-area impresario with a
taste for the dramatic, he missed the concluding acts to this
wonderful show after being banished backstage for inciting
Liverpool fans. He claimed his gesture, placing a silencing finger
on his lips, was meant to belittle newspaper critics, but it was
too close to the Liverpool supporters and another fine awaits.

A police officer believed Mourinho's actions could incite the
crowd and instructed fourth official Phil Crossley to dismiss the
manager from the technical area for "public order purposes".

"The police guy is not a football man but if I made a mistake, I
apologise. I'm glad I'm not going to jail and I can enjoy a nice
dinner with my players," Mourinho said.

Chelsea and its controversial leader are now the subject of
seven separate investigations. Only NASA is involved in more
probes. Pity. Mourinho deserves cherishing for his impact as a
manager, not castigating for the myriad noises that accompany
him.

Mourinho will ignore the pinprick of another disciplinary
charge. His Cardiff mission was accomplished. He came, he saw red,
but he conquered. And that is what drives a coach fabled for his
little grey cells and long grey coat. "Trophies are more important
to me than popularity" remains his mantra.

And he deserved this League Cup triumph, secured after the match
finished 1-1 after normal time. His substitutions kept varying the
angles of attack to trouble a resolute Liverpool. His captain, John
Terry, was outstanding, leading through word and deed, while Frank
Lampard eclipsed Steven Gerrard in the duel of the England midfield
kings.

Yet the heart went out to Gerrard, whose own goal negated John
Arne Riise's stunning opener in the first minute and brought
extra-time when Mourinho's men seized real control through Didier
Drogba and Mateja Kezman. Coveted by Mourinho, Gerrard may score
more for Chelsea one day.

The cold winds of frustration began to sweep through Chelsea as
it tried to equalise. Chelsea had the ball, but Liverpool the lead.
After 73 minutes, Mourinho rang the changes.

Almost immediately, Lampard was driving through the middle,
heading confidently over the halfway line until cynically brought
down by Dietmar Hamann. Paulo Ferreira swung in the free kick that
poor Gerrard diverted past Jerzy Dudek. As Chelsea celebrated,
Mourinho put his finger to his lips, triggering his expulsion down
the tunnel.

The second half of extra-time dragged the audience's emotions
this way and that.

Drogba pounced to force in a long Glen Johnson throw to put
Chelsea ahead. Gudjohnsen then shot goalwards, Dudek parried and
there was Kezman poaching Chelsea's third.

Still the pulses refused to stop racing. With seven minutes
remaining, Antonio Nunez headed in a Gerrard free kick. But it was
merely the coldest of consolations. Liverpool players collapsed.
Terry and Lampard ran to their supporters. The Age of Mourinho has
begun in earnest.